Benjamin Franklin Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-42-02-0117

From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Webb, 22 April 1784

To Benjamin Webb

Transcript: Library of Congress

Passy, April 22d. 1784

Dear Sir

I received your’s of the 15th. Instant, and the Memorial it inclosed. The account they give of your situation grieves me. I send you herewith a Bill for Ten Louis d’ors. I do not pretend to give such a Sum. I only lend it to you. When you shall return to your Country with a good Character, you cannot fail of getting into some Business that will in time enable you to pay all your Debts: In that Case, when you meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoyning him to discharge the Debt by a like operation when he shall be able and shall meet with such another opportunity.— I hope it may thus go thro’ many hands before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a Trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money.2 I am not rich enough to afford much in good works and so am obliged to be cunning and make the most of a little.— With best wishes for the success of your Memorial and your future prosperity, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obdt. Servt.

B. F.

Please to present my affectionate Respects to Mr. & Madam Pigot.—

Mr. Benjn. Webb.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

2BF had made a similar loan to William Nixon in 1781: XXXV, 445.

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